Unfortunately, despite the despicable nature of anonymous letters, we are still riddled with spineless and nasty anonymous letter-writers. Over the years, I adopted a policy to ignore them, particularly those of a nasty and personal nature. However since the nastiness in this letter is not addressed to myself but to another person, I feel morally obliged to inform him.

I must also write about it because the anonymous letter writer(s) in question deserve to know that the employed official they have written about has seen their anonymous letter and knows who they are. This is very much in line with the "openness" policy of this column.

The letter is signed "Gregory and Catherine Abela" with a short note in brackets which reads: "Pen-names, of course, because we know that (the official they are complaining about) is a very powerful person." The concluding sentence in this letter reads: "I would be grateful if you could look into the matter and check..."

Apart from pointing out to the anonymous couple that I abhor anonymous letters, I would also like to inform them that I know the person they have written about very well. In my opinion he is genuine, capable, and trustworthy.